What's wrong with the Yeti?

[Hesky]

I never got a chance to see the Yeti in its working days, but I think the ride is great as it is (though maybe I could think differently if I had seen it before).

To be honest I can understand why they don't want to fix it. If I knew the ride was out during a visit to WDW, I would probably skip AK altogether.

 

[The Hodge]

I never got a chance to see the Yeti in its working days, but I think the ride is great as it is (though maybe I could think differently if I had seen it before).

To be honest I can understand why they don't want to fix it. If I knew the ride was out during a visit to WDW, I would probably skip AK altogether.

That is it exactly, they can never close EE for repairs, it would literally cut the AK park attendance in half, maybe even more. Those folks would end up spilling into DHS, MK and Epcot and make crowds worse. If they are to fix the Yeti one day, they have to add another E-ticket attraction to the AK and then close EE. They are spending all all kinds money elesewhere in the resort, so a new attraction in AK is way in the future.

Disco Yeti Lives

 

[POOHsie]

 

[YodaGirl]

I've never ridden EE, so forgive me is this is a stupid question.

On YouTube, there is a video that shows the shadow of a rather angry yeti. I'm assuming that this is different than the animatronic yeti that y'all are discussing?

I knew that there as an animatronic yeti, but when I saw the shadow, I just assumed that it was the animatronic yeti making the shadow.

 

[chartle]

I've never ridden EE, so forgive me is this is a stupid question.

On YouTube, there is a video that shows the shadow of a rather angry yeti. I'm assuming that this is different than the animatronic yeti that y'all are discussing?

I knew that there as an animatronic yeti, but when I saw the shadow, I just assumed that it was the animatronic yeti making the shadow.

No the shadow is a projection on the wall. It gives you something to look at while the track switches from backward to forward.

 

[disneychic]

 

[YodaGirl]

No the shadow is a projection on the wall. It gives you something to look at while the track switches from backward to forward.

Learn something new everyday.

Now, if I'd just get up the nerve to ride the thing...

 

[CurlyJo224]

Okay, here's a thought: They have to close all the major rides every so often for refurb for maintenance type reasons, right? I wonder if they would fix the Yeti then, or if it would still be too much.

 

[stargazertechie]

Okay, here's a thought: They have to close all the major rides every so often for refurb for maintenance type reasons, right? I wonder if they would fix the Yeti then, or if it would still be too much.

I honestly think it would still be too much even for a major refurb. It would probably take as long as the space mountain refurb, and there aren't enough headliners in AK to absorb the extra guests.

 

[Yubbie]

When the yeti was working correctly it was an amazing experience. The yeti's arm moved fast enough and close enough you could feel the air move around your head. He was lit so you could easily see him as well (no strobe lights). EE is a fun coaster without the yeti and a few other neglected effects, but when everything is/was working it's a whole other ride.

 

[CurlyJo224]

When the yeti was working correctly it was an amazing experience. The yeti's arm moved fast enough and close enough you could feel the air move around your head. He was lit so you could easily see him as well (no strobe lights). EE is a fun coaster without the yeti and a few other neglected effects, but when everything is/was working it's a whole other ride.

It's the difference between, "Holy crap, there's a yeti!" and "OMG, the yeti's going to GET US!"

Of course, I am the so terribly observant person that missed the bird next to the split tracks the first time I rode it, thus freaking the heck out when I saw it the next time.

 

[k^2]

Of course, I am the so terribly observant person that missed the bird next to the split tracks the first time I rode it, thus freaking the heck out when I saw it the next time.

Wait... a bird? What bird? I guess I'm the unobservant one

But totally agree with all PPs that the Yeti in "A" mode really changes the feel of the end of the ride and makes me feel much more "in the moment". But if you haven't seen it, Disco Yeti can satisfy.

 

[Robo]

Of course, I am the so terribly observant person that missed the bird next to the split tracks the first time I rode it, thus freaking the heck out when I saw it the next time.

Wait... a bird? What bird? I guess I'm the unobservant one

The "Bird-on-a-Stick" is also a "sometimes working, sometimes not" effect.

Don't be surprised if you don't always see it.
It's had a troubled life, too.

And, IMO, it is one of the lowest-tech, cheeziest "effects" found on a contemporary Disney attraction.

Its on the calibre of one of the painted plaster and plywood "wiggle-sets" found in the ancient Snow White's scary adventures.

Yes, it is literally just a Bird-on-a-Stick that slowly moves up and down (when it works.)

 

[stevenpensacola]

what are you people talking about...isn't the Yeti REAL?!!!

 

[CurlyJo224]

Wait... a bird? What bird? I guess I'm the unobservant one

But totally agree with all PPs that the Yeti in "A" mode really changes the feel of the end of the ride and makes me feel much more "in the moment". But if you haven't seen it, Disco Yeti can satisfy.

Thanks, that makes me feel better.

Towards the beginning when the train is going forwards, and it comes up to the broken split track, there is a big black "bird on a stick" as Robo put it. It just moves up and down.

DH laughs at me because when we went on it, my second time and his first, we came up to that part, and I suddenly freaked. "Holy crap, where did that bird come from?" Then we go down the hill backwards and I was just screaming.

I suppose it does go to show you that the animatronics can scare some people, no matter how low tech or non functioning.

 

[k^2]

Thanks, that makes me feel better.

Towards the beginning when the train is going forwards, and it comes up to the broken split track, there is a big black "bird on a stick" as Robo put it. It just moves up and down.

DH laughs at me because when we went on it, my second time and his first, we came up to that part, and I suddenly freaked. "Holy crap, where did that bird come from?" Then we go down the hill backwards and I was just screaming.

I suppose it does go to show you that the animatronics can scare some people, no matter how low tech or non functioning.

That's so funny! I've only been on EE 6-7 times... and never seen this mythical bird! I'll have to keep an eye out for it next time

So is it to the right, left, or straight ahead? I'm definitely going to request to wait for the front next time if I can - I've heard there's a great view at the broken track!

 

[CurlyJo224]

That's so funny! I've only been on EE 6-7 times... and never seen this mythical bird! I'll have to keep an eye out for it next time

So is it to the right, left, or straight ahead? I'm definitely going to request to wait for the front next time if I can - I've heard there's a great view at the broken track!

Left of the split track.

 

[Robo]

So is it to the right, left, or straight ahead? I'm definitely going to request to wait for the front next time if I can - I've heard there's a great view at the broken track!

That's also the problem-

The "view" (and its a great one in you're in the front of the train) is to the RIGHT and BELOW of the torn-up tracks (where your train stops.)

The B-O-A-S (bird-on-a-stick) is to the LEFT and ABOVE the torn-up tracks.

Consequently, many guests may be looking elsewhere even if the B-O-A-S is doing its thing.
(Which, BTW, is not much, let me tell you. )
It doesn't even flap its wings... its just stuck on a stick that slowly moves up and down.

If you're not in the front-most section of the train, just look up and to your left and see if the B-O-A-S is moving that day.


.

 

[mjallemand]

That's so funny! I've only been on EE 6-7 times... and never seen this mythical bird! I'll have to keep an eye out for it next time

So is it to the right, left, or straight ahead? I'm definitely going to request to wait for the front next time if I can - I've heard there's a great view at the broken track!

Just snapped this frame out of the video I took with my iPhone late last year.

Edit: Reminds me, nice view of Epcot & the Swan and Dolphin from the top of the first incline.

 

[Prolif1k]

I swear the yeti moved when i was there april this year? maybe it really is cursed

They do still turn it on every once in a while. It is extremely rare for it to happen, but it certainly still happens. The yeti was actually fully active during one of our rides in mid-May in the morning, but was back to standing still later in the afternoon.

"Disney would not discuss issues with the yeti beyond referencing the "stress" caused by the figure's movement. The most popular theory among company followers: The yeti's swiping-arm motion was so powerful that it has weakened the base of the animatronic, forcing Disney to shut it down to prevent further damage. (The yeti is one of three separate structures that make up Expedition Everest, along with the roller-coaster track and the mountain shell; none of the three structures touches.)" http://www.orlandosentinel.com/busi...ws-yeti-everest-073110,0,7228738.story?page=2


And no, the yeti wasn't working in April. She may have seen "disco yeti" with the strobe lights, but the arm hasn't swung in a couple of years now.

Your newspaper reference is true, but you're wrong that it couldn't have been working in April. I know plenty of CMs because I have family in Orlando, and some of them have told me that it is activated on rare occasions. None of them knew exactly why they decide to turn it on, but they have worked the ride on days where the yeti was functioning for a very short period of time (usually no longer than an hour or so). They did know that there was usually an imagineer or other high-level person there when it ran. As I stated before, I was lucky enough to get to see it back in May because of a tip from one of my friends.